Gallstones

[Trazzletoes]

I went to the GP this week and he thinks I've got gallstones. I've been referred for blood tests and an ultrasound.

I don't really know much about them bar what I can glean from the NHS online which mainly talks about the problems they cause re: extreme pain etc. I think the Dr didn't tell me very much because he's not certain until they get the results from the tests.

Have you had gallstones? Can you tell me anything helpful without concentrating on the agonising pain bit please - I know about that bit and don't really need to hear it again. What I don't know is what they're all about and what happens if I do have them. This year would really not be a great time for an operation but I don't even know if that's even what happens.

Thanks.

I've got gallstones and am awaiting an operation to remove my gallbladder. The best place for support is a Facebook group called 'Gallstones Sufferers'. You will learn all you need to know there and the people are very friendly and supportive! If they are causing you pain then removal seems the only thing the NHS recommends. It is usually keyhole surgery done without an overnight stay. A near fat free diet is advised. Hope this helps. PM me if u want further info

I had just one or two episodes of pain, the diagnostic clincher for me was that, after the pain, my wee went dark and my poo went light thus showing that the bile salts were not flowing into the gut as the duct was blocked by a gallstone.

I had mine removed by keyhole surgery although the gallbladder was swollen so a small incision had to be made to pull it out. Because the word "incision" was used on the surgeons report to the GP, he insisted I had to have 6 weeks off work to recuperate!

I've not had any severe pain as yet but a near constant dull ache, not even severe enough for paracetamol. Just an annoying niggle really.

I'm overweight and just so cross with myself as the Dr said it was more likely as a result of that. Perhaps this is the wake up call I need and I'm lucky it's not something "more" serious like diabetes but I'm really mad with myself for letting this happen...

How long is the fat-free diet for (if you have surgery). Forever? I know DH would join me in solidarity for that for a short while but honestly don't think he could cope with a fat free diet long-term...

My DS is in and out of hospital constantly this year and I am his main carer. I haven't got time for an operation!!!

Sorry, I'm honestly not looking for sympathy - just emptying my head and its the middle of the night.

Thank you so so much for the information. It is really helpful.

Okay. I had this about 15 months ago.

Fat free diet - yep. Recommended is under about 5% fat, but odd things would set me off, it was really trial and error.

Pain was erm... Painful, but in my case mostly controlled by heavy duty painkillers. The only time it wasn't, I was blue-lit to hospital off my head on morphine and gas & air and then had it out the next day as it had perforated. They still managed to do it keyhole though!

Recovery took me about 5 days to be more or less normal, holes took about 14 days to completely heal.

Results can vary, but I'm now fine - I can eat anything I want except cucumber for some reason! Occasionally I will eat something high in fat, and the results in the loo are not pretty, but it's not terrible.

It's soooo worth it!

As Carpe says .. it is soooo worth it .... if you are in agony but it sounds Trazzle as if it is uncomfortable, not excrutiating, atm. I was originally diagnosed after a few episodes about 4 years ago and only had the op last November, following some more really bad ones. If you were to go on a 5% fat diet you may well be able to control the symptoms until it is a more convenient time for you to have an op. I didn't have any symptoms between my last major episode when I spent 3 days in hospital last summer and the op. I was religiously strict with the diet and lost over a stone. Some people find the diet doesn't control the symptoms though.

I wouldn't leave it until you are in agony before you seek treatment as the NHS waiting lists for Gall Bladder surgery are huge. I have been waiting several months and I am classed as urgent and I am also on the cancellation list.

Gallstones are pretty common - a lot of people have them and don't know it. You don't need surgery unless your pain warrants it. If you don't want surgery then low fat diet and weight loss is the route to go. Some people find weight loss alone is sufficient and then trial and error of what sets you off. If you do have surgery you can still get stones although rarer so weight loss and low(ish) fat diet are still the way to go.

Thanks Daz. I'm quite scared about the extreme pain...

At the moment, the Dr has referred me for blood tests to rule out liver/kidney problems etc and also for an ultrasound and then I guess we will see where we are.

It doesn't sound like I need to worry about anything conflicting with DS' treatment! Unless its pain and then it's thankfully a short crawl to a&e.

Thank you all for reassuring me.